Billing rates among AEP consulting firms are up according to a survey by Zweig White & Associates. The survey reports that 83% of firms annually update their billing rates--a finding reinforced by the one-year increase in median hourly billing rates for several positions.

The median billing rate for architects and engineers is $65 per hour, compared to the median billing rate of $60 per hour reported in last year's survey. From 1998 to 1999, project managers' median hourly billing rates increased from $85 to $88 and department heads' rates went from $90 to $100.

Also on the rise are associates' and principals' billing rates. In 1998, associates charge a median of $90 an hour for their time, compared to $100 this year. Principals hourly billing rates climbed from $115 to $120.